hyper: De tour

Thursday, September 16, 2010

De tour


MANAOAG: THE MIRACLE CHURCH

By: Juztine Dennize L. Santos

As a Filipino, we are rich in superstitions. We believe mostly with regards to God’s ability of miracle.

In terms of travelling, we believe that we will have a safe journey if we drive through the Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. Our Lady of Manaog Church is also known as the Shrine of the Nuestra Senora de Manaoag that was established by Captain Gaspar de Gamboa in 1720 and was donated to the Dominicans in 1722.

"Manaoag" is coined from the word "taoag" (tawag) or "to call" when centuries ago, a farmer on his way to his farm one daybreak heard the Virgin Mary calling him from the top of the tamarind tree (where the church is right now) instructing him to initiate the construction of the church. These days, thousands of devotees visit the town of Manaoag each day in response to the Virgin Mary's "tawag" or "call". People call to Virgin Mary usually for safe journey, and other problems they have in life. Hundreds flock everyday, lining up for hours just to get slight contact with the famed “miraculous robes”. Her mantle is visible and can be touched only through a small partition, small enough for hands to fit.

Devotees visit the Manaoag shrine throughout the year, but most often during April and May. People from all walks of life and almost all parts of the country flock to the shrine either to thank the Virgin for favors received through her intercession or to petition her once more for more favors or graces, or simply to honor her.



We don’t know what will happen to us. But with faith with God, we feel comfortable and safe. As we also believe in superstitions. “Manalig ka.. Magtiwala..”




A TRIP TO ORIENTAL MINDORO
By: Jhuztine Santos

Oriental Mindoro. A crucial place that touches my heart. This calm place with a real beauty makes me feel better when I'm lonely. It made me realize that there are things that we can't have. But God will give us something that we deserve.

We had a journey to Mindoro. I'm really excited because that was my first time to go there.

Oriental Mindoro is a province of the Philippines located in the island of Mindoro under MIMAROPA region in Luzon, about 140 km southwest of Manila. The province is bordered by the Verde Island Passage and the rest of Batangas to the north, by Marinduque, Maestro del Ocampo Island, Tablas Strait and the rest of Romblon to the east, by Semirara and the rest of Caluya Islands, Antique to the south, and by Occidental Mindoro to the west. Calapan City, the only city in the island, is the provincial capital.

As we ride in the bus, I feel so comfortable siting beside him, with holding hands, as other passengers are already sleep. Until we reach the Port of Batangas and we ride a RORO. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers or railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels. This is in contrast to lo-lo (lift on-lift off) vessels which use a crane to load and unload cargo.

RORO vessels have built-in ramps which allow the cargo to be efficiently "rolled on" and "rolled off" the vessel when in port. While smaller ferries that operate across rivers and other short distances still often have built-in ramps, the term RORO is generally reserved for larger ocean-going vessels. The ramps and doors may be stern-only, or bow and stern for quick loading.



As we arrive in my friend's house, I feel their warm welcome to us. I love the way they built their houses. All of the houses there are nipa hut or “kubo”. The native house is constructed out of bamboo tied together, with a thatched roof using nipa/anahaw leaves. Nipa huts were the native houses of the indigenous people of the Philippines before the Spaniards arrived. They are still used today, especially in rural areas. The cool and fresh air there really starts our day great.



We decided to have a tour on the tourist spots in Oriental Mindoro. Tamaraw Falls is our first destination. There are a series of small waterfalls that end in the final drop into the cool water of the pool at the bottom of the Tamaraw Falls. The water at first is quite cool, but extremely refreshing once you get over the initial sudden shock, it is not that the water is so cold, but rather the air temperature is so high that makes such a contrasting difference. There is a picnic area and a larger rock pool for swimming, a small fee is charged to enter the picnic area. The larger rock pool is man made and does look like it has seen better days, it is a little bit tired.We really enjoy taking pictures there, because of the nice views.




After visiting the Tamaraw Falls, we go to Puerto Galera. This coastal town is well known among tourists for its numerous pocket beaches and many snorkeling and Scuba diving spots. The area was designated a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia. The marine environment has benefited in recent years from the influx of tourist dollars. This has seen a huge reduction in the number of fishermen in the area, as they gain higher revenue from tourists. Puerto Galera is a listed by the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World, and is the only bay in the Philippines to be listed there. Among the famous beaches in Puerto Galera are Sabang Beach and White Beach, which have an active nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants. Both beaches also have an array of first-class and economy-class accommodations.



Sabang beach is the main destination for foreign tourists, while White Beach remains popular with local travelers.Big La Laguna Beach and Small La Laguna Beach are considered part of Sabang with resorts lining the beaches. Big La Laguna Beach is popular for local swimmers and snorkelers. Since 2001 White beach has seen uncontrolled development. New restaurants and places to stay are rapidly encroaching on the beach itself and little remains of the once charming beach. There are also bars in Puerto Galera, just what Boracay had.



I remember that my tita was really mad at me that time. Because she can't find me at the middle of the night. But she don't know, I'm just hanging out with my boyfriend at the sea side. Maybe the reason why she's mad at me, she don't even know that we had our relationship. And she don't want me to have a boyfriend. Hahaha! A really funny moment.

Oriental Mindoro taught me a lot of things. Even the sand taught me how to value each thing I have in my life right now. The sunset that taught me that past is past, and as the sun rises, a new journey begins. The falls that taught me how to cry if I'm hurt, for these tears take away the pains. The kubo that made me realize that I'm safe if I don't have any fears to stay. That I can be stronger as the rocks, if I just believe in myself.



As I had fun, I realized that we must forget the ghost of our past to see the real beauty of present. Learn to let go the past and face the present. The past really matters, but what's more important is that you can face your present without the fear of the past. Present is another chapter of our lives. Just believe in faith, in love,especially in GOD. For he knows what we deserve to have.





Coming back to manila


  Maraming beses na kitang nilayasan
 ♫ Iniwanan at iba'ang pinuntahan
 ♫ Parang bababeng ang hirap talagang malimutan
 ♫ Ikaw lamang ang aking laging binabalikan

(Quiapo Quiapo Quiapo, isa na lang ah, aalis na. Para!)

 ♫ Manila
 ♫ I keep coming back to Manila
  ♫ Simply no place like Manila
Manila, I'm coming home

 ♫ I walked the streets of San Francisco
 ♫ I've tried the rides in Disneyland
  Dated a million girls in Sydney
 ♫ Somehow I feel like I don't belong 

 ♫ Hinahanap hanap kita Manila
 ♫ Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga
 ♫ Mga jeepney mong nagliliparan
 ♫ Mga babae mong naggagandahan
 ♫ Take me back in your arms Manila
 ♫ And promise me you'll never let go
 ♫ Promise me you'll never let go

 ♫ Manila, Manila
 ♫ Miss you like hell, Manila
  ♫ No place in the world like Manila
 ♫ I'm coming here to stay

There’s no place like Manila, a mere fact that we can’t deny. Many places around the world are beautiful. But, Manila is different. Manila has its “something” that the other places do not have. The question is, what was that “something”? I guess it is the place itself.




If there’s a place that’s near to my heart, it’s no other than the Manila City Hall. I really love politics. I’m very active during campaign period, maybe the reason why I knew a lot of politicians. One of my favorites is Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso a.k.a. Isko Moreno.




Manila City Hall, headed by Mayor Alfredo Lim, is one of the distinct landmarks in the capital city of Manila, in the Philippines. The edifice, with its hexagonal tower with three red-faced clock on three of its facets, received unfavorable reviews in its initial years because of its austere architectural design, lack of entrances and the placement of the clock tower. The building's floor plan had been dismissed as similar in shape to a coffin or, in the other end, like the shield of Knights Templar. Nowadays, many critics praise the design of the City Hall for the same reasons the complex was vilified. The building is located in the center of tourism area where major government buildings and landmarks, are located.



Manila City Hall was designed and planned by Antonio Toledo.
The clock tower has become a trademark for Manila and the city hall. At nighttime, the tower is illuminated with its details highlighted by beautiful lighting. Every hour, the bell is rung three times followed by a melody. It is recognized as the largest clock tower in the Philippines.



At the front of Manila City Hall, you can find the historical Intramuros. Intramuros was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Its name, in Latin, intramuros, literally "within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress, also describes its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered Manila itself. The old moats that surrounded Intramuros have been filled up and transformed into a golf course where locals and foreign nationals play the sport. The garrison that was Fort Santiago is now a tourist spot where visitors can enjoy the nostalgic romance of a bygone Spanish legacy within its gardens.


Intramuros now houses some of the higher education institutions in the Philippines. These are the city-owned Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, the technical school Mapúa Institute of Technology, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran and high schools such as the Manila High School,and Colegio de Santa Rosa.
A lot of churches are also located there such as Lourdes Church (El Almanecer), Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Santo Domingo Church (Bank of the Philippine Islands), San Francisco Church (Mapúa Institute of Technology), San Ignacio Church (Ruins), San Nicolas de Tolentino Church (Manila Bulletin), Beaterio de la Compañia de Jesus (Light and Sound Museum), Convento de Sta. Clara (Empty Lot) and Chapel of the Third Venerable Order (Mapúa Chapel).


The second SM Supermall in the city of Manila is the SM City Manila. It is located just near the Manila City Hall. The mall features major anchors like the SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Cinemas & SM Food Court, junior anchors like Ace Hardware, National Bookstore, SM Appliance Center, Surplus Shop, Sports Central, Factory Sale Outlet & Watsons. It has a land area of 25,000 m² and a total GFA of 166,554 m².
This mall is very memorable for me. I remember those memories with my “happiness” because we spent a lot of time for food trips, sweet thoughts, movie watch and fights until we make it up again. Haaayyyzz.. I wished it’s like before.




Manileño is a religious by nature.
Quiapo Church, officially known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, is a Roman Catholic Church. The church is one of the most popular churches in the country. It is home to the Black Nazarene.
The Black Nazarene, known to devotees as Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo ("Our Father Jesus Nazarene of Quiapo"), is a life-sized, dark-coloured, wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ, held to be miraculous by many Filipino devotees. Folk tradition attributes the colour of the Black Nazarene to a fire on the ship carrying it, charring the image from its original fair tone into its present dark complexion.

Today, the image borne in procession consists of the original body of the Black Nazarene connected to a replica of the head, while the original head portion of the statue remains on a replica of the body enshrined within the high altar of the basilica.
Veneration of the Black Nazarene stems from the overall importance Filipino culture has for the Passion of Jesus. Many devotees of the Black Nazarene identify their poverty and daily struggles to the wounds and tribulations experienced by Jesus, as represented by the image.
On January 9, the parish commemorates the "TRASLACION", or the transfer of the image from Luneta (formerly Bagumbayan) to Quiapo. This event is participated by Millions of Devotees while Quiapo Church holds Novena of Masses before the event. Many sick people come to see the Black Nazarene, hoping that getting a chance to pray in front of its miraculous image would heal their sicknesses.




In terms of schools, Manila has the best schools / universities ever. “University Belt” refers to the area where there is a high concentration or a cluster of colleges and universities in the city. The following are major universities found in Manila City:

• Arellano University (AU)
• Centro Escolar University-Manila (CEU)
• College of the Holy Spirit (CHS)
• De Ocampo Memorial College (DOMC)
• Family Clinic Inc (FCI)
• Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST)
• Far Eastern University (FEU)
• FEATI University (FEATI)
• College of the Holy Spirit
• La Consolacion College (LCC or LaCo)
• Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU)
• Mary Chiles College (MCC)
• National University (Philippines) (NU)
• Perpetual Help College of Manila (PHCR)
• Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA)
• PMI Colleges formerly Philippine Maritime Institute (PMI)
• San Beda College (SBC)
• San Sebastian College - Recoletos (SSC-R)\
• Saint Jude College and Medical Center (SJCMC-M)
• Philippine College of Health Sciences, Inc. (PCHS)
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila (PUP)
• Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP)
• University of the East (UE)
• University of Manila (UM)
• University of Santo Tomas (UST)


If you are looking for bars, Malate is the place to be. Night clubs, bars and discothèques started to sprout along the Malate portion of M.H. del PIlar, Mabini and Adriatico streets. Upscale restaurants lined-up the corner of Adriatico and Remedios streets with the opening of landmark restaurants like the Cafe Adriatico, Larry's Bar and the Korean Village.
Visual and performing artists found a haven in Malate and in the 1980s, the open and nonexclusive watering hole for artists was Penguin Bar along Remedios Street fronting the Remedios Circle.
For a period of time, Malate was the place where artists, poets, writers, actors, and film industry professionals gathered, where there was no degree of hypocrisy practiced, just the basic rule of "come and be yourself, express yourself."


A very special Manila. We always find our true happiness here. Maybe, it is the “something” that this place has, wherein we can find our hearts. And I personally, found the real meaning of happiness in Manila. I’ve found my “heart” here, and even if I feel too much pain in my heart right now, I know one day, this pain will fade away because of its own beauty. I’ll keep on reminiscing those memories I had in this paradise until my last breathe. Even though I’m going in other places, I’m still going back to Manila. Because I will never forget that I am a Manileño. And I am so proud to be one. Asenso Manileño!

SOURCES: World Book Encyclopedia, Manileño

    



THEME PARKS WITHIN THE METRO         
                                             

Are you tired of your daily routines? Wanna try something enjoyable and unforgettable experience to unwind yourself and have fun outside? Here's the best theme parks to go around the Metro!



Our first destination is the Manila Ocean Park --- the Philippines' first state-of-the-art oceanarium, open-water marine habitat, boutique mall, restaurant row and function facilities all located in one complex at the back of historical Quirino Grandstand. it is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanic Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China. It opened on March 1, 2008. In terms of floor space, the 8,000 sq. m. oceanarium is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World Oceanarium in Singapore, and features a 25 m. underwater acrylic tunnel.

Manila Ocean Park is dedicated to introducing oceanarium visitors to the incredible diversity of marine life that can be found in Philippine waters. It is also keen on spreading awareness about the conservation and preservation of the Philippine marine ecosystem. Their Public Education Programs form an integral part of their daily operations.


A Kids Learning Area (KLA) is available to all the guests. Here, guests may view a marine-themed short film, color their favorite marine animals or read a fish-themed book. There are also other activities available such as puppet show and a fishy puzzle game. There is an exhibit area adjacent to the KLA. The subject matter of the exhibit constantly changes; however, it is always in line with Manila Ocean Park's goal to promote environmental awareness which includes the importance of the proper garbage disposal and water conservation.


They also acquire brochures, fun facts and other activities that are available throughout the oceanarium journey.


Manila Ocean Park is committed to conducting scientific research activities and developing technologies necessary to sustaining and enhancing the current state of marine biodiversity in the country. The facilities has advanced life support and filtration equipment to maintain the optimal conditions needed to properly care for all the animals.



The MOP Curatorial Department has successfully bred several species of jelly fish as well as the plankton they feed on. The ever popular "doctor fish" , so named for the wonders they have been known to do for people with skin related diseases, have also been bred in-house for the fish spa. These small fishes nibble away only affected and dead areas of the skin, leaving your healthy skin to grow. After a nice long walk along the beautiful Oceanarium exhibits, guests might want to dip their feet into the Manila Ocean Park Fish Spa.


Manila Ocean Park has Six General Sections namely Oceanarium, Acquatica Musical Fountain, Marine Life Habitat, Concourse Plaza, Marine-Themed Mall, and Open-water Marine Habitat.

Oceanarium has its sub-sections:

The Agos (Flow) is a rain forest motif complete with eight tanks of fresh water fishes.

      

The Bahura (the Reef) which is the exhibition of artificial corals in 48 tanks.




The Laot (Fishing Ground) that features big fish and Eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.


The Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean), the main attraction of the oceanarium, is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls.


The Kalaliman (the Deep) that showcases marine animals found in the deepest parts of the Philippine's water.


The Pagi (Sting Ray) which contains the variety of rays fly over while you're under this unique Overhang Tank.



And the Pating (Shark) that features several species of shark.


The Acquatica Musical Fountain is Manila's tallest musical fountain as tall as 120 feet high and the largest water and laser show consisting of over 1,600 water nozzles; fabulous water, music, light & special effects; backed by live performance; night attraction every Wednesday to Sunday, 7:00pm.


You can see sea lions performance in Marine Life Habitat that will soon to open this September 2010.


The Concourse Plaza houses big events like concerts, performances and product launches for the whole year.


The Open Water Marine Habitat is an outdoor swimming pool with diving facilities where visitors go snorkeling and diving.


The Marine-Themed Mall is the first marine-themed mall in the Philippines which houses 25 restaurants where costumers can enjoy Manila's beautiful sunset, and even dine al fresco. The mall also features 30 unique stores.


For only P150.00, you can experience the Glass Bottom Boat Ride that offers a wonderful view of the inhabitants of the Buhay na Karagatan. You will learn about the variety of fish species that dwell in this largest tanks and see how they interact with each other. You don't wanna miss this attraction at the park as you watch the fishes as they literally swim under your feet.

Manila Ocean Park is open all year round, including all holidays.

The Oceanarium and Jellies open every Monday and Tuesdays, 10:00am to 7:00pm; every Wednesday to Fridays, 10:00am to 8:30pm; and every Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, 9:00am to 8:00pm.

The Musical Fountain is open every Wednesday to Sundays at 7:00pm.

MOP tickets for adults costs P400.00 and for the kids (4.5 ft below) costs P350.00.



The very famous Star City is our next destination. It is located at the Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. Star City started out as a Holiday Craze in 1991; only active during Christmas Season. After some reformation, it is now visited by the public all year round.


There were a lot to see in Star City. The little ones will surely enjoy several kiddie rides indoor. Some of the adult rides were located indoor, but most of the thrilling rides were outside. Other highlights to watch are the Dino Island, Land of the Giants, Peter Pan, Time Tunnel, Gabi ng Lagim and Snow World.

Beat the heat at Star City taking a peek at Snow World. Enjoy like being in wonderland where it is cold and below zero temperature even if you are literally in the Philippines, a summer and tropical country.
























Exciting and challenging rides are available at Star City. There are the Ferris Wheel, the very controversial Star Flyer, Zyclone Loop and Wild River, and the heart breaking Surf Dance. These adult rides are the main attraction of Star City.













If you will ride on your car going here, parking space at Star City is no problem because there are security guards within the vicinity. Food is also not an issue, the same reason why they don't allow to bring inside any food is because they have stalls and a food court inside. Plus, if you wanna lessen your costs in food, you can eat outside. The food center is located just right side of the theme park when you are facing it.





In this theme park is where you can find one of the oldest theaters in the Philippines aside from the CCP Complex itself. It is the Aliw Theater. The Aliw Theater offers free shows all the time with schedules of fun-filled children shows with mascots and stuff of dance and comedy for kids. The theater has its own sets of artists. What's best about these shows is that they are totally free for all to enjoy and watch.




Manila Broadcasting Company is also inside the same building as Star City. It is a radio and television network owned by the Elizalde Group of Companies. MBC owns over 500 radio stations throughout the Philippines. The company has seven different brands and most well known of which are DZRH Nationwide, Aksyon Radyo, Love Radio, Yes FM, Hot FM, Easy Rock, and Radyo Natin. So, if you like to see the disc jockeys themselves and get a greeting or two for anyone you like or love, you can pay a visit to the DJ booth there. If you have special request songs, you can have them played with dedications if you come over to the station and ask the guards.


Aside from radio, it has turned into TV broadcasting with its cable TV channel (RHTV or DZRH Television) and five regional TV channels (TV Natin or Radyo Natin Television).





Tickets for the Star City is affordable.
*Entrance Fee: P60.00
*Entrance Fee + Three Rides: P250.00
*Entrance Fee + Ride All You Can: P300.00
*Dino World: P100.00
*Snow World: P100.00
*Entrance Fee + Ride All You Can + Snow World: P375.00
*Entrance Fee + Ride All You Can + Dino Island: P375.00*Entrance Fee + Ride All You Can + Snow World + Dino Island: P475

I hope you have ideas now with the theme parks within the metro. Theme parks are affordable and perhaps, you can really enjoy and reminisce this unforgettable experience.

Sources:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1821113540, http://www.manilaoceanpark.com/

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